Resources to decide if it's legit or not
Our panel of Certified Financial Planners for Monday, April 16 includes:
Dennis Hebert, Strategic Wealth Advisors 234-7526
Ted Sarenski, Blue Ocean Strategic Capital 471-2672
Grace Ghezzi, Benefit Consulting Group 474-1707 ext 460
We answer phones at 477-9480 until 6:30pm, or email at money@cnycentral.com
Here are some of the areas covered:
~Is an offer legit? Here are some resources:
www.sec.gov will help with info on the background of a financial planner you're working with
www.dfs.ny.gov is the state's department of financial services for state information
apps.finra.org.meters/1/scammeter.aspx is a scam meter...you can test the legitimacy of an offer
~Last minute taxes?
If you're not going to get forms done on time (by midnight Tuesday) you can file for an extension:
www.irs.gov has the forms, look for #4868. You should request a signed returned receipt at the Post Office, to have the proof that you filed the extension. State government honors federal extensions, so it covers NY tax forms as well.
If you know you'll be owing, you might want to put in a check for what you guestimate is due---if not, even with the extension you'll have to pay what you owe plus a half a percent a month penalty on the amount.
(If you know you're getting a refund, you do not have to file on the deadline!)
~Need help with debt? Here's one legitimate source:
Consumer Credit Counseling is now Clearpoint Credit Counseling Services, at www.credithelpny.org or 800-479-6026
Here are some of their services:
>Credit budget counseling (they'll look at your income, expense and debt and create a plan to achieve goals)
>Debt Management plans (when in debt over your head, they'll help you get out in 5 years, by negotiating lower interest rates on what you owe)
>Bankruptcy Counseling (pre-bankruptcy and pre-discharge financial education)
>HUD-approved housing counseiling (comprehensive counseling and education)
~Consider the source!
You've probably gotten invitations to free lunches, or church group meetings, to hear about insurance or annuities or other investment possibilities. The advice: the products may be good, but they may not be tailored to your needs--make sure it's what will really help you.
And, if 'they' are asking for contact information, expect high-pressure phone calls or even home visits, if you didn't buy right away.
